Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  A Great Car for its Time - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Douger - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for nearly 5 years now and have really been quite happy with it. I did need to replace the AC compressor twice... a common problem, Ive read. Other than that, if you are perhaps a bit more aggressive in changing differential, transmission, and transaxle fluids then the manufacturer recommends, these are great cars on and off the road. Other minor problems: Mirror memory Seatbelt sensor ABS sensors (adjustment needed only)

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  So Far, Pretty Good! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vampyre40 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought this the dealer gave me a 30 day warranty. Good thing. In the first week, the front brakes needed new rotors, and the a/c ran hot and needed a new evap. cylinder. The dealer fixed everything. 2 months later, The check engine light came on and I replaced the speed sensor. A week after that, the drivers side electric window motor burned out. I replaced that and it wasnt easy! I have now had the car for a little over a year and have had no further problems. Hopefully it stays that way. Although I have grown attached to my JEEP, I wouldnt buy another.

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  What more can you ask for - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Big Frank - September 4 - 10:10 am

  Most dependable and sturdy vehicle I have owned in years. Actually like it better then my Lincoln.

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  Do these things ever die? - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By MaxHops - September 3 - 8:40 pm

  I have had my Jeep for 12 years and have only had standard maintenance work done. Water pump, brakes, shocks, serpentine belt, tires, oil are the only thing I have had to replace. The V6 in this is called the iron maiden for its extreme reliability. I think I could drive it for another 10 years if I need to.

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  Nightmare Vehicle! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sam - September 3 - 2:10 pm

  I bought my vehicle (used) in November of 2007. It has only been 8 months and I have had it in the shop 4 times already! 1st with the radio and heater, 2nd with the transmission, 3rd time with the transmission AGAIN, and now its the a/c and shocks. I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE PURCHASE ANOTHER JEEP. I have had nothing but trouble. And the gas mileage is even worse. I only average 15.3 HWY! Now Im stuck with this piece of garbage for 5 years!!!

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  Its the last purpose built SUV - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepJohn - September 1 - 3:46 pm

  OK this is not a truck for someone who wants to eat a big mac/talk to there boss/change a shirt, as they drive 90mph thu heavy traffic. This is a base model Jeep that can be built up, or left alone and just feed the willing to go where the road does not. Its not a town car so yes its a Jeep that lets you know there are bumps in the road. It has a I-6 so its not the smoothest running engine out there. But it will get you from point A-B and back. High reliability. The 6-speed tranny is fun for around town. Driving down a highway, Keep you hands on the road and do not try to multi task. Its a off road built Jeep. Its not meant to go fast its ment to take a beating. But in high traffic fun!

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  Was I Surprised - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By goobie2 - August 31 - 5:49 pm

  I bought this car because it was the cheapest 4x4 with some off road capability on the market. I was not expecting much from Chrysler/Jeep & really didnt want to buy anything from them. I test drove it & was impressed so I bought it. WOW!!! Have I ever been surprised & pleased. I had bought a Honda CRV & a Toyota RAV4 a year earlier & wish I had purchased two Patriots instead. The Patriot has performed better than expected, well under all conditions & is a solid vehicle. The only problem I have had was the transmission overheated, but I blame Jeep & the dealer for not notifying me about a needed update for the CVT. Gas mileage is not great & it is geared low.

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  2006 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - August 28 - 11:10 am

  This is my first Wrangler and so far has been a real fun vehicle to own. I bought it with all available options and upgrades including automatic transmission. The ride is a bit stiff and you feel all the bumps in the road but rides good on smooth roads, better than my pickup. Acceleration is good and maneuvers well. The hard top makes it a quiet ride which I will use more than the soft top. Shoulder room felt a bit close at first but have gotten use to it.

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  gas - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By tricki - August 28 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle to drive. very versitle vehicle to be driven to any event. gas cost to much but fun.

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  Liberty 4WD Limited / Hi-ho silver ! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BP - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love it. It is fun to drive and cute, and has had no mechanical problems, aside from a slight stumble at times. But it will climb and get in and out of anyplace, and looks good doing it. Air and heat work so quickly no matter what the weather. Bad points are: Getting in and out the back doors is a challenge. I would not like to have to use the back seat every day. Gas mileage is not good for in town driving. Add slides in visors/block sun further back like older Grd. Cherokee had. Miss feature of windows able to raise/lower for a few seconds after key is off. Very noisy with windows down. Sounds like a helicopter is hovering over you even at slow speeds.